On December 7, 2021 the Principal of Springman school, Megan Russell, under the direction of the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), directed Springman's 8th grade students to begin an adaptive pause and move to a fully remote environment. They will return to in-person learning on January 3, 2022, after winter break.

This pause was directed to the 8th grade students ONLY, with children in other grades allowed to continue their in-person learning experience. The directive did NOT contain evidence to support the assertion that cancelling in-person learning would make the Springman community materially safer.

Starting today, Springman school will keep home 200+ healthy students that deserve to have an in-person education. Families were given a 1/2 day notice to adjust their work schedules, day care plans, personal schedules, etc.

Furthermore, it stated that these 8th grade students "should not attend activities beginning this afternoon or otherwise gather outside of the home; these gatherings could lead to additional spread, which could impact our ability to return to an in-person environment on January 3". So the message to 8th graders is that they cannot gather outside the home, but all other students should enjoy the holiday break and personal activities with no restrictions. 

In signing this Petition, I believe the District 34 Board of Education and Administration should:

1.       Immediately cancel the adaptive pause for Springman 8th Graders

2.       Immediately hold a public hearing to disclose all relevant information leading to this decision

This petition will be provided to District 34 Administrators and the District 34 Board of Education.